Checks on charging points ensure safe infrastructure

By 2030, almost all new cars on the road could be electric. This is according to scenarios developed by advocacy organisation Power Circle as part of the energy research project 'An Electricity System for Electric Vehicles'. But for a fully electrified vehicle fleet to be feasible, the infrastructure - the network of charging stations from north to south - is of course crucial. At the end of 2023, there will be about 34,400 public charging points in Sweden, spread over about 4,700 charging stations.  

"I think most consumers take it for granted that these charging points are controlled in a similar way to petrol and diesel stations, that they are safe and that you get what you pay for. But charging stations are not yet regulated in detail," says Anders Nilsson, Senior Business Developer in Electrification and Reliability at RISE.  

"Ensuring reliable infrastructure" 

Deployment has been slow, and the regulatory framework has not kept pace. It takes time to revise international guidelines. While waiting for comprehensive EU requirements on how charging stations should be regulated, some countries have opted to develop national guidelines. In practice, this can create technical barriers to trade as regulations differ in different markets and create a complex situation for industry players, says Anders Nilsson.

Manufacturers have also recognised the need to have the electricity meter module in the charging station tested by an independent certification body. "There is a clear regulatory framework for electricity meters, the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID), but it does not yet specifically cover charging stations.

However, despite the lack of regulation, it is already possible to test entire charging stations. This is what RISE engineers do when they go out to existing charging stations and carry out checks. Using calibrated measuring equipment, they can see whether the charging station is delivering the energy for which the customer is being charged.  

"Checking the stations ensures a reliable infrastructure. Of course, operators are also interested in ensuring that everything is in order. "This can be a selling point to the market: when you charge with us, you get what you pay for because RISE has checked it," says Anders Nilsson. 

Can have a negative impact on trust

During the inspection, engineers also check that cables and plugs are in good condition and meet electrical safety requirements.  

"There have not yet been any incidents related to charging stations in Sweden, but it only takes one injury to make headlines. Once an accident happens, it could affect confidence in the charging infrastructure, which in turn could slow down electrification," says Anders Nilsson and continues:  

"The stations are relatively new now, but over time the cables will wear out. Someone will forget to unplug and drive away, as has happened with petrol stations. So when we go out to measure, we also want to see how the equipment looks. The inspection is as much about consumer protection as it is about safety."

RISE maintains a close dialogue with Swedac, the Swedish regulatory authority for regulated measurement technology, to follow developments in the implementation of charging stations in the EU's Measuring Instruments Directive (MID). As RISE is already testing new products under development and existing products in the field, Anders Nilsson can announce that the team will be ready when new comprehensive regulations are introduced.